Chapter 381 - Side Story (Satiana and Jack) (1) (unedited) (1/2)
(Satiana's POV)
As Duke Matias has planned, the fight to claim back the throne of Jennovia has started. As the duke had said, my brother Gladiolus has no claim to the Jennovia throne because he is not my father's son but the son of my mother's former lover, her brother. Because of that the only one who has the right to rule over Jennovia is me, the legitimate daughter of my deceased father.
The uprising was planned by the loyal aristocratic faction of Jennovia. They wanted to dethrone my mother the current empress of Jennovia, Queen Patricia. As they have said, she was the one that cursed this land to have an eternal winter that made it into a wasteland uninhabitable in most parts. The people suffered over twenty years and they have had enough.
Duke Matias had sought help from Grandcrest's King Regaleon, the one that is currently in war with my mother. The king had promised to help with one condition, that Jennovia would consent into the merger of all the countries in this continent to create a new empire that he and his wife Alicia will govern. King Regaleon had promised to leave the governance to me, the rightful heir to the Jennovian throne. The duke agreed to these terms, making me the grand duchess of Jennovia after the creation of the empire.
We are now currently at the last leg of the civil war. With the joint forces of the army that Duke Matias had rounded up and the army that the king of Grandcrest had sent to aide us, my mother's forces was pushed back into the capital city and inside the palace.
”As you now know, many of the Jennovian soldiers under the queen's command had now defected to our side.” Duke Matias said.
We are currently in his mansion that has became a stronghold for our forces. It was late at night and they were discussing the plans on the assault on the Jennovian palace. There was a table at the center of the room where a huge map of Jennovia is placed. There was chess like pieces that were placed at the Jennovia palace. The pieces that represent our forces are currently surrounding the palace.
”The queen's forces that stayed loyal to her have now retreated into the palace.” Jack said while pointing to the palace in the map.
”They have made their last line of defense at the palace's walls.” Duke Matias' son Alfred said. He was a young man that just turned eighteen years old but has shown outstanding contribution leading our forces in this civil war.
”We should not our guard down in our assault on the palace.” Duke Matias said. ”As you know, the ones that remain loyal to the queen are her fellow Atlantian people. They are people that use magic in combat.”
Jack and Alfred both nodded in agreement. The three of them together with some men that leads our forces were deep in their discussion. The night was starting to get deep, and I tried to fight my yawn coming out but was unsuccessful. Tears came out of my eyes after that, and I wipe them off. Jack might have seen me yawn and walked to my side.
”Sati, if you are sleepy, you can go to your room and rest for the night.” Jack said with a hint of worry,
”Well, I want to stay here.” I replied. ”At least I want to know what will happened. All of you are fighting and I cannot do anything to contribute to the battle.”
”You know that you are the most important piece in this war. You are our queen.” Jack said giving me a sweet smile. ”It is our job to protect you, the future monarch of Jennovia.”
My heart skipped a beat after seeing Jack's sweet gesture. He had a way with words, making my heart thump fast.
”Do not worry princess.” Alfred said, seeing us. ”You go and tuck in for the night, I will brief you of our plans once morning comes. Would you like me to escort you back to your room?” he asked politely.
”Well I…” I was about to decline when Jack butted in.
”You do not need to worry your lordship.” Jack said with a generic smile. ”I will escort the princess back to her room. After all, I am the one tasked by Princess Alicia to guard the princess.”
There was an unusual friction between both of the men. Alfred gave in first and sighed.
”Very well.” Alfred said. ”Have a pleasant night princess.”
”Thank you, Alfred.” I replied awkwardly. ”You as well.” I nodded a goodnight.
”Let us go princess.” Jack ushered me out of the office.